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I realize this is probably not a concern yet for most people on this board but worth a shot.

I was wondering if there are attorneys here who have lateraled to other firms or have information about the process of lateraling? Specifically, I had a few questions about when a good time to look for moving to another firm is and how the application and interview process works. I work at a well known boutique firm and have been getting a lot of calls from recruiters regarding biglaw firms (at least 2 V25 firms so far). I am not looking to move right now (been only working here for 7 months) but I want to be more informed about the process. From what I have been told, it looks bad if I move without staying for at least a year but I also dont want to miss an opportunity to jump to a megafirm either (especially one in my home market that excels in specialized field)

If you are getting recruiting calls after 7 months, you'll probably be getting them after 3 years. Some lawyers might look unfavorably on your leaving after just 7 months. I would stick it out for at least two years unless you absolutely can't stand your coworkers or you have a really good reason other than "I WANTED MOAR PREFSTIGE!!"

What about a practice area shift? Right now I do a mixture of public M&A and private equity a top law firm, but want to do more emerging company M&A, which my firm doesn't do at all. I'm learning a lot and like my firm, and I think I'd be able to hit the ground running if I lateraled, say, 4-5 years from now. But, I'm concerned that I'll be pigeon-holed into what I do by then.

Anonymous User wrote:What about a practice area shift? Right now I do a mixture of public M&A and private equity a top law firm, but want to do more emerging company M&A, which my firm doesn't do at all. I'm learning a lot and like my firm, and I think I'd be able to hit the ground running if I lateraled, say, 4-5 years from now. But, I'm concerned that I'll be pigeon-holed into what I do by then.

This is more along the reasons I am looking at switching as well. More so than prestige anyways. I am currently mostly working on IP Prosecution/App Drafting/Opinion and Licensing work. I would like to eventually move over to litigation, but the opportunities to do so at my current firm are limited.

Like I said in the OP, I don't anticipate leaving until at least finishing a year at this firm, but I would like to avoid being pigeon-holed in a given practice area. Just looking for more information about the process at this point so I can make a more informed decision when it is time to move.